What are the common conditions and disorders that affect the fibula?
The most common issues that affect the fibula are fractures and osteoporosis.
Fibula fractures
A bone fracture is the medical term for breaking a bone. Symptoms of a fracture include:
- Pain.
- Swelling.
- Tenderness.
- Inability to move your leg like you usually can.
- Bruising or discoloration.
- A deformity or bump that’s not usually on your body.
The fibula is sometimes broken in a pattern that’s called an avulsion fracture. This happens when the muscles or ligaments attached to it are jerked or suddenly used. These breaks are also caused by hyperextended knees.
Go to the emergency room right away if you’ve experienced a trauma or think you have a fracture.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis weakens bones, making them more susceptible to sudden and unexpected fractures. Many people don’t know they have osteoporosis until after it causes them to break a bone. There usually aren’t obvious symptoms.
Women, people assigned female at birth and adults older than 50 have an increased risk for developing osteoporosis. Talk to your provider about a bone density screening that can catch osteoporosis before it causes a fracture.
What tests are done on the fibula?
The most common test done to check the health of your fibula is a bone density test. It’s sometimes called a DEXA or DXA scan. A bone density test measures how strong your bones are with low levels of X-rays. It’s a way to measure bone loss as you age.
If you’ve experienced a fibular fracture your provider or surgeon might need imaging tests, including:
What are common treatments for the fibula?
Usually, your fibula won’t need treatment unless you’ve experienced a fracture or have been diagnosed with osteoporosis.
Fibula fracture treatment
How your fracture is treated depends on which type it is and what caused it. You’ll need some form of immobilization — like a splint or cast — and might need surgery to realign (set) your bone to its correct position and secure it in place so it can heal.
Osteoporosis treatment
Treatments for osteoporosis can include exercise, vitamin and mineral supplements and medications.
Exercise and taking supplements are usually all you’ll need to prevent osteoporosis. Your provider will help you develop a treatment plan that’s customized for you and your bone health.
